Tropical Storm Rachel nears hurricane strength, forecast to become major hurricane
The National Hurricane Center said Rachel had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and was forecast to become a hurricane tonight and a major hurricane by Thursday. A tropical storm warning is in effect for parts of southwestern Mexico.
Tropical Storm Rachel advisory number 11 from the US National Hurricane Center in Miami at 300 PM CST on Sep. 29, 2026 said the system was near hurricane strength and was now forecast to become a major hurricane. 7W, about 270 mi (435 km) west-southwest of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, and about 305 mi (490 km) south of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds were 70 mph (110 km/h), with the storm moving northwest, or 305 degrees, at 12 mph (19 km/h).
21 inches). No watches or warnings changed with this advisory. A tropical storm warning remained in effect from Punta San Telmo to Playa Perula on the coast of southwestern Mexico, and a tropical storm watch remained in effect north of Playa Perula to Cabo Corrientes. The center said tropical storm conditions were expected within the warning area in the next 12-24 hours and were possible within the watch area in the next 12-24 hours.
7 West, based on NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft data. Rachel was moving northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h), and a slower northwestward motion is expected during the next several days. On the forecast track, the storm is expected to move parallel to, but remain offshore of, the coast of southwestern Mexico. Aircraft data showed maximum sustained winds had increased to near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts.
Steady to rapid strengthening is forecast over the next few days, with Rachel expected to become a hurricane tonight and a major hurricane by Thursday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles (295 km) from the center. 21 inches). Key messages for Rachel are available in the Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDEP3 and WMO header WTPZ43 KNHC.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area later. Tropical storm conditions could arrive in the watch area by tonight or Wednesday. Rachel is expected to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches across coastal parts of the Mexican states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco. The rainfall may lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.
Swells from Rachel should affect parts of Mexico's southwestern coast over the next couple of days and spread northward through the end of the week. The swells are likely to create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. The next intermediate advisory is due at 600 PM CST, and the next complete advisory at 900 PM CST.